XAos, I have both meters...
Sorry for not replying before, but I was away from the RFF for a while, and did not see this thread before.
As you found out yourself, the meters are not the same.
The way you read the metered values (red LED digits in the small bottom window) is different.
However, I would not say that Calcu-Flash is that limited - I particularly don't understand your remark that it lets you "calculate" only values from 1/500 to 1/15...
Caclu-Flash has a different method of reading the scale than Calcu-Light. Maybe it *is* a bit "weird", but you'll quickly get used to it.
But, I think you are not taking the readings properly.
First, just like the Calcu-Light, the Calcu-Flash has TWO readout value windows (HI/LO), one for the incident light (bottom right window marked with dome symbol), and one for the reflected light (bottom left window marked with "reflected" arrow). The LED readout window gives you "absolute" light value (similar to EV value), and you turn the outside scale to find the combination you want.
Perhaps an example would be easier.
Let's say you are using incident light reading (diffusor dome over the light sensor, marked with a small triangle).
After metering, let's say the LED number shown/metered was 15, and you are using 100ASA film, and have set the ASA value on the meter accordingly.
Find the black number 15 on the fixed scale (scale goes from 0 to 45, at least on my "regular" Calcu-Flash).
Depending on what you want (exposure or f-stop), you turn the outside dial to get the combination, as follows:
1) if you need an f-stop for a specific exposure (let's say 1/60), you turn the outside dial until the mark "LO" apears in the right-hand (incident) readout window - it marks 1/60 exposure (it's between '125 and '30 mark). Now you read the f-stop on the outside scale (one that moves, numbers are white) opposite the black number 15. It should be a bit above 4 - it means that for exposure of 1/60, the f-stop should be 4 + 1/3 of a stop.
2) If you need an exposure for a particular f-stop you want to use (let's say 2.8), align the white f-stop number (in this case f2.8) on the main moving scale against the black number 15 on the fixed scale, and see what the incident readout window (lower right window) says - it will be a bit above 1/125. Sice you can't change speeds steplessly, move the outside dial rim until 1/125 mark is aligned properly, and you'll see (on the main scale) that you should change the f-stop and close it a bit (1/3 stop above 2.8), since the f2.8 is now not exactly opposite the number 15 on the fixed scale.
It all sounds rather complicated - but once you get used to it, there will be no problems.
You just have to remember that the red LED numbers that appear correspond to the FIXED scale of the meter, and depending on what you need, you either check out the white f-stop numbers opposite the metered number on the fixed scale (main dial), or the exposure windows on the lower part of the meter. Remember that the left window is for reflected readings, and right window is for incident readings (when you use the diffusor dome).
You can also find the manual on the Quantum site:
http://www.qtm.com/home/manuals/p3.htm
One word of advice: the Calcu-Flash ADDS measurements! It's because it's primarily a flash meter. If you want to use it as an ordinary light meter, you have to cancel ("null") the previous measurement, otherwise they will just add up!!! It means that you need to press the right hand button (On/Reset) before taking a new light reading with the left-hand button (trigger)...
With all that said, since I don't use flash at all, and Calcu-Lite is MUCH more sensitive, and I do a lot of available light shooting, nowadays I mostly use the Calcu-Light
🙂
However, the Calcu-Flash is a good and reliable meter, and I was quite happy with it before I got the Calcu-Light XP - which I got only for its increased low-light sensitivity.
Hope this helps.
Denis
